Ewing also shared a trash-talking story featuring the Celtics legend.
While Larry Bird’s on-court greatness earned him respect from his peers, his penchant for trash talk often led to friction with opponents. This included Patrick Ewing, the legendary big man who played with the Boston Celtics’ conference rivals, the New York Knicks. However, their time together on the Dream Team in 1992 allowed them to mend their relationship and gain mutual respect.
How Ewing and Bird became friends
In their 30 matchups (including playoffs), Larry’s Celtics dominated Big Pat’s Knicks, winning 17 of the 21 regular-season games and five of the nine postseason contests. Still, the 7’0″ center held his own, averaging 25.0 points, 10.3
rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, compared to Bird’s 25.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in those matchups. But trash-talking-wise, Larry was the clear winner of their head to heads, and Patrick hated him for it.
rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, compared to Bird’s 25.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in those matchups. But trash-talking-wise, Larry was the clear winner of their head to heads, and Patrick hated him for it.
The Dream Team featured players who couldn’t stand each other’s sight on the court, and Ewing and Bird was one such pair. However, forced to interact, they understood each other better and developed a surprising camaraderie. While the other players laughed at them, mending their differences, Ewing admitted, during his appearance on the Arsenio Hall Show, that he grew close to the Indiana native.
“Larry and I; we got very close during the Olympics. At first, during New York against Boston, I used to hate him, ’cause he talked so much trash,” Ewing said. “But once we finally got to sit down in a relaxed atmosphere, we got to be very good friends.”